Promising Negotiation Conducted by the University of Sopron with Chinese Investors

Prof. Dr. Attila Fábián, Rector of the University of Sopron, emphasized: “As a result of these negotiations, a cooperation program is emerging that could mark a new era for the city and Hungary’s Green University, Hungary’s first carbon-neutral university, in the fields of industry and innovation. The Chinese partners from Shandong Province explicitly intend to align industrial development with environmental protection and sustainable development principles, which perfectly aligns with our institution’s ethos.” He underlined the importance for the university to establish professional partnerships that are fruitful both scientifically and economically. The focus now is primarily on robotics, environmentally friendly methods aimed at sustainable development within forestry and forest management development.

The rector stated that they discussed two topics: first, establishing an university-based Chinese research and service center, and second, areas suitable for Chinese investors to set up wood industry related enterprises. He highlighted: “We introduced our bio-based materials and technology developments, planning services related to climate research and sustainability, our start-up ecosystem, accredited material and product testing, sustainability and business legal services, as well as training collaborations to the Chinese investors. We believe that science-based, practice-oriented collaborations are the future. The University of Sopron aims to be a key player in this future, and therefore we continue our forward-looking negotiations with our Chinese partners.”

Attila Kemeny, Customer Relations Manager at GYSEV CARGO Zrt., spoke about the company's commitment to implementing environmentally friendly technologies and sustainable rail developments. He emphasized the importance of long-term cooperation with the University, especially in railway electrification, and indicated that the company fully supports the development opportunities discussed. He added that a new logistics park is also underway in Sopron, aiming to maximize the capacity of the Sopron railway station, terminal, and logistics base to support and actively participate in its realization.

Li Changgui, the lead researcher at Shandong Academy of Forestry, highlighted the significance of his visit to Hungary and emphasized the importance of international logistics cooperation. He mentioned that the delegation had a substantial discussion in Sopron and confirmed the city’s strategic role in logistics development—a crucial factor for furniture companies aiming to expand in European markets. Sopron University, with its rich history and strong professional background, can provide significant scientific support to Chinese partners. He noted that China supports cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries, including Hungary, through a partnership system aimed at strengthening scientific research, industry links, and professional relations. Chinese delegations regularly visit Hungary to enhance the relationship in line with mutual goals.

During the diverse professional program, the Chinese investment and research delegation learned about University of Sopron’s educational, research, and innovation activities, strategic goals, sustainability initiatives, and development plans. They were introduced to the four faculties (Faculty of Forestry, Faculty of Wood Engineering and Creative Industries, Alexander Lamfalussy Faculty of Economics, and Benedek Elek Faculty of Pedagogy), as well as the Forest Research Institute (ERTI), as the ongoing collaboration preparation closely relates to raw material supply, knowledge sharing, and market advice. Representatives of companies and organizations connected to the university also participated, including delegates from TAEG Zrt., FABUNIO, FAGOSZ, and GYSEV CARGO. The meeting emphasized “green university” technologies, especially sustainable wood-based materials development, innovations linked to circular economy, and scientific achievements related to close-to-nature forest management. Afterwards, workshops mapped future cooperation opportunities.

This was the first official meeting with the Chinese investment delegation, with further negotiations planned for the fall. University of Sopron is Hungary’s Green University, committed to promoting sustainability, environmental and natural protection, “green innovation,” and knowledge transfer. Its mission is to turn scientific results into practical solutions for future challenges. The planned cooperation with Chinese investors exemplifies these efforts. Sopron University aims to actively contribute to the professional dialogue, strengthen economic ties, and co-create value between the two countries.